Sure, but karma is an important measurement of the (perceived) quality of your posts. If a comment gets upvoted that's not only because people agree with you but also because they think your comment has value. Likewise, if a comment gets downvoted, that's a fair indicator it did not have a lot of merit.
Of course, HN distorts this somewhat by just having one score for all the possible reasons a user might have to vote on a comment, and inevitably superstar posters get upvoted reflexively often drowning out better comments. But overall, as both a tool for measuring quality and a reward system it works pretty well.
By voting, we give each other points of a credibility currency that transcends individual discussions.
I just got a measurement of my post, simply because you replied. ;)
Just by talking to me, you've let me know what I said was worth at least a reply.
This is just opinion, so take it for what its worth... I'd much rather someone reply to me, email, chat whatever, and let me know what exactly they think rather than assign my words a value via a mouse click. Wouldn't you?
You're confusing a single conversation with the ongoing presence on the forum. Karma is an imperfect but effective way of assessing a user's position within the community based on her/his previous actions and reactions. It can be looked at as a substitute to an auditory/visual first impression in the "real" world.
> I just got a measurement of my post, simply because you replied. ;)
Yes, but I also upvoted you ;)
I essentially agree with you, it's just that I think karma has its place, too. And usually when I reply to a comment, I make it a point to give it a vote as well.
Of course, HN distorts this somewhat by just having one score for all the possible reasons a user might have to vote on a comment, and inevitably superstar posters get upvoted reflexively often drowning out better comments. But overall, as both a tool for measuring quality and a reward system it works pretty well.
By voting, we give each other points of a credibility currency that transcends individual discussions.